Youngsters bring cards to vets at Kerrville facility.

Updated 1:07 am, Thursday, February 17, 2011

Air Force Veteran Perry Baycroft looks through valentines given to him by students from the Hill Country Adventist School during their visit Wednesday.

Air Force Veteran Perry Baycroft looks through valentines given to him by students from the Hill Country Adventist School during their visit Wednesday.

Photo: LISA KRANTZ, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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World War II veteran Wilburn McIntire receives valentines from Hill Country Adventist School students Joel Garcia, 6 (from left); Gabriel Castillo, 10; Saige Kneese, 6; Janey Woods, 12; Ashton Espinoza, 6; and Kyla Kneese, 5. The youngsters visited the Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home in Kerrville as part of the National Salute to Veteran Patients.

The belated observance of Monday's holiday is part of a weeklong tribute by the VA called the National Salute to Veteran Patients.

Begun in 1978, the program aims to honor hospitalized veterans, encourage visits to them and build awareness of VA services.

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It was the first glimpse inside the VA facility for some of the roughly 75 guests, who included law officers, professionals, students and fellow vets.

“It's really eye-opening,” said Kerrville Police Officer Gregg Brandon. He was impressed with the care provided at the facility, which is home to about 85 aging residents and 15 acute care patients and which also sees hundreds more vets in its outpatient clinics weekly.

Hill Country Adventist School students delivered 214 cards to the vets, who reciprocated with thanks, bits of advice and recollections of bygone days.

“I'm trying to teach them patriotism,” teacher Brendia Bennett said of her students.

Ethan Nichols, 10, said, “I think taking valentines is a great way to show our appreciation and love to the veterans for serving our country.”

World War II veteran Wilburn McIntire told his guests that, as a lad in Stamford, he walked seven miles to school daily.

He also shared these wise words: “If you listen, you'll get along better and have a lot more friends.”

The visits were good medicine for the veterans, some of whom seldom get visitors outside their families.

“There's no question that it really lifts their spirits,” said Milton Shaw, the chief medical officer.